Portland

• 
  

  It was the math major that really ingrained the concept of constantly asking questions and doing my own research (and computations) in order to contribute to battery research and development.

  Dimetrius (Nano) Casares BA ’18, MEd ’19More about Dimetrius (Nano)
• 
  

  My Classics and English professors are my mentors. They nurture my interest in the subjects, and they support me in developing my research and writing skills.

  Ashleen Smith BA ’23

  Madras, Oregon

  More about Ashleen
• 
  

  Going into school, I was unsure whether I should major in Psychology or declare as Pre-Med to get the prerequisite courses for vet school. I ultimately decided on Psychology because I loved my Intro to Psychology course, and I loved learning about the subject. 

  Hannah Innis-Skinner BA ’22

  Santa Cruz, CA

  More about Hannah

Brief History

A lot of people have lived here. Before Portland was known for coffee shops, bookstores, and bike lanes, this land was and remains the home of Indigenous peoples who have lived, loved, and stewarded these lands for generations. The city sits on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Clackamas, Kathlamet, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who have called this region home since time immemorial. Their deep connection to the land continues today, and Portland remains home to a vibrant Native American community.

Fun Facts about Portland

• Iconic and visitable filming locations for Twilight (yes, that Twilight). Explore your teenage vampire/werewolf fantasy!
• Animal Outlook ranks Portland #1 for vegan-friendly cities in the U.S.
• Festivals year-round: Jazz at Cathedral Park, Pedalpalooza, Portland Winter Light Festival, and more.
• It boasts major arts institutions: Portland Art Museum, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland Center Stage, etc.
• It is home to the second-smallest park in the world and the second-largest copper statue in the U.S. after the Statue of Liberty.
• The “Keep Portland Weird” mural represents the fun, quirky nature of the city, where individuality is celebrated.

A City that Welcomes You As You Are

• Advocate ranks Portland #4 among the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the U.S.
• It is home to many BIPOC-owned coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants.
• Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and meditation centers are spread across the city. Lewis & Clark’s Office of Spiritual Life can help you get connected.

The Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME) office does a lot of work to support students of color, first-generation college students, and LGBTQ+ students. Going to IME events introduced me to a lot of friends who I hold dear today. I also find a lot of support in Queer Student Union (QSU)’s QTPOC Group, a group that a friend and I started where queer and trans students of color can gather regularly and just talk about our experiences.

Meilin Beloney BA ’26

Sociology and Anthropology | Gender Studies | Alameda, California

More about Meilin

The Afrikan Diaspora Club provides a learning experience through the engagement of different African cultures. 

Michèe Brika BA ’26

International Affairs | Political Economics |  Upper Marlboro, Maryland

More about Michèe

The Great Expectations Mentorship (GEM) program helped establish a support system for myself during my first year. 

Rosa Caldera BA ’26

Psychology | Philosophy | Beaverton, Oregon

More about Rosa

For International Students

No matter where you’re from, who you are, or where you end up, once you arrive at Lewis & Clark, you’ll be a Portlander for life.

• Easy access (30-minute car ride and an hour and a half bus ride) to Portland International Airport (PDX).
• Easy public transportation (buses, MAX light rail, and streetcars) can get you to and from places.
• Cultural groceries (like Fubonn Supermarket, Mama Pauline’s African Market, halal butchers, and international markets) are spread across the city.
• Multicultural festivals from Lunar New Year, Brazilian Block Party to African Film Festivals.
• Many student organisations and events, both on and off campus, help bridge cultures and build friendships.

• 
  

  What made me choose Lewis & Clark over other similar schools were the interactions I had with the International Students and Scholars office prior to coming to L&C. They were incredibly welcoming and reassured me that there would be a place for me on campus, even though I was coming from abroad.

  Helen Guyton BA ’23

  Sociology and Anthropology | Environmental Studies and Japanese (double) | Cologne, Germany

  More about Helen
• 
  

  I found a community with all the other international students where we experienced studying in the United States together. 

  Yoana Stoyanova BA ’20

  Economics | Sofia, Bulgaria

  More about Yoana
• 
  

  Most groups and spaces where I find community on campus are of an international nature. The international student and Third Culture Kid networks are foundational to my identity, and I am so grateful for the friendships and connections I have made.

  Brenna Ketchum BA ’23

  International Affairs | Hispanic Studies | Fort Collins, Colorado

  More about Brenna

Beyond Portland

Curious about what’s beyond home? It’s closer than you think.

• Mount Hood, Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls—all under 90 minutes away.
• The Oregon Coast is less than two hours away by car.
• Seattle is less than 4 hours by train.
• California is just a scenic day trip by train from Portland—ideal for a spontaneous escape.

 

It may take a while to get used to the rainy days, but we guarantee you’ll love living in Portland!